Click to take a tour of Africa and Click to take a tour of Africa and learn about the history, the learn about the history, the people, and their customs.people, and their customs.

Tour of AfricaTour of Africa

Visit each region of AfricaVisit each region of Africa

Northern Africa

Western Africa

Central Africa

Southern Africa

Eastern Africa

Northern AfricaNorthern Africa

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Northern Africa lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara desert. Since ancient time, this area has been influenced by European and Asian cultures. The people of this region include Berbers and Arabs.

Western SaharaWestern SaharaThe land area of Western The land area of Western Sahara (102,703 sq mi) was Sahara (102,703 sq mi) was formerly divided between formerly divided between Morocco in the northern Morocco in the northern area and Mauritania in the area and Mauritania in the southern area. In 1991, a southern area. In 1991, a United Nations cease-fire United Nations cease-fire brought an end to the years brought an end to the years of fighting between many of fighting between many groups. The exact groups. The exact boundaries and legal status boundaries and legal status of this country are still in of this country are still in dispute. Western Sahara is dispute. Western Sahara is largely barren desert and largely barren desert and only a small amount of land only a small amount of land is suitable for agriculture. is suitable for agriculture. There are few natural There are few natural resources here so the resources here so the population must depend on population must depend on Morocco for food.Morocco for food. Back

Capital: Capital: NoneNone

MoroccoMoroccoFrance and Spain partitioned France and Spain partitioned Morocco in 1912. Morocco Morocco in 1912. Morocco gained independence in 1956 gained independence in 1956 and is ruled today by King and is ruled today by King Hassan II. Over 90% of the Hassan II. Over 90% of the large population lives near the large population lives near the Atlantic Coast. Fez is an Atlantic Coast. Fez is an ancient city that was once the ancient city that was once the center of an Islamic empire. center of an Islamic empire. Merchants from Morocco Merchants from Morocco continue to trade on camel continue to trade on camel caravans across the Sahara caravans across the Sahara Desert. The Atlas Mountains Desert. The Atlas Mountains separate southern Morocco separate southern Morocco from the desert. Morocco is from the desert. Morocco is famous for woven textile arts, famous for woven textile arts, silks, leatherwork and colorful silks, leatherwork and colorful tiled architecture. The early tiled architecture. The early Greeks called Morocco the Greeks called Morocco the “Garden of the Gods” because “Garden of the Gods” because of the many flowers and natural of the many flowers and natural beauty of the landscape.beauty of the landscape. Back

Capital: Capital: RabatRabat

AlgeriaAlgeriaBeginning in 1830 Algeria Beginning in 1830 Algeria was a colony of France. In was a colony of France. In 1962, following fierce 1962, following fierce battles between the French battles between the French colonists and Algerians, colonists and Algerians, Algeria won independence. Algeria won independence. Algeria is one of the Algeria is one of the largest countries in Africa largest countries in Africa (919,595 sq mi). Most of (919,595 sq mi). Most of the country is covered by the country is covered by the Sahara Desert. Over the Sahara Desert. Over 90% of the population lives 90% of the population lives within 200 miles of the within 200 miles of the Mediterranean Sea. Over Mediterranean Sea. Over 43% of the population lives 43% of the population lives in crowded coastal cities. in crowded coastal cities.

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Capital: AlgiersCapital: Algiers

LibyaLibyaLibya gained independence Libya gained independence from the Italians in 1951. from the Italians in 1951. Over 90% of the population Over 90% of the population lives within 200 miles of the lives within 200 miles of the Mediterranean Sea. Libya is Mediterranean Sea. Libya is the richest country in Africa the richest country in Africa due to its oil reserves. Libya due to its oil reserves. Libya is one of the largest is one of the largest countries in Africa, but most countries in Africa, but most of the land (679,359sq mi) is of the land (679,359sq mi) is barren Saharan desert. barren Saharan desert. Therefore, Libya must import Therefore, Libya must import over 75% of its food from over 75% of its food from other countries that have other countries that have more farmland and rainfall. more farmland and rainfall. Part of the early empire of Part of the early empire of Carthage was in the land Carthage was in the land that is now called Libya.that is now called Libya.

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Capital: TripoliCapital: Tripoli

TunisiaTunisiaThe French occupied Tunisia The French occupied Tunisia

from 1881 to 1956, when from 1881 to 1956, when Tunisia gained its Tunisia gained its independence. The land of independence. The land of Tunisia (3,170 sq mi) is mostly Tunisia (3,170 sq mi) is mostly desert. Over 90% of the desert. Over 90% of the population lives within 200 population lives within 200 miles of the Mediterranean miles of the Mediterranean Sea. About half of the Sea. About half of the population lives in cities. In population lives in cities. In 146 B.C. Tunisia was part of 146 B.C. Tunisia was part of the Empire of Carthage. The the Empire of Carthage. The early empire of Sudan once early empire of Sudan once claimed Tunisian land. Today claimed Tunisian land. Today many Europeans visit Tunisia many Europeans visit Tunisia to enjoy the beautiful coastal to enjoy the beautiful coastal areas. Merchants of Tunisia areas. Merchants of Tunisia continue to trade as they continue to trade as they always have across the always have across the Mediterranean Sea.Mediterranean Sea.

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Capital: TunisCapital: Tunis

EgyptEgyptEgypt gained independence Egypt gained independence

from the British in 1952. from the British in 1952. Egypt is the home of the Egypt is the home of the ancient civilization of the ancient civilization of the Pharaohs. Today tourists Pharaohs. Today tourists and scholars from around and scholars from around the globe visit and study the the globe visit and study the famous pyramids and famous pyramids and sphinx. Over 95% of the sphinx. Over 95% of the Egyptian population lives Egyptian population lives near the fertile banks of the near the fertile banks of the Nile River. Egyptians trade Nile River. Egyptians trade by ship across the Red Sea. by ship across the Red Sea. Egypt is one of the most Egypt is one of the most populated countries in populated countries in Africa, and a shortage of Africa, and a shortage of farmland causes the farmland causes the government to import food.government to import food. Back

Capital: Capital: CairoCairo

Chad

Western AfricaWestern AfricaWestern Africa primarily consists of forest and grasslands. The annual rainfall Western Africa primarily consists of forest and grasslands. The annual rainfall

averages in some parts are as much as 100 inches. The land is primarily used averages in some parts are as much as 100 inches. The land is primarily used for subsistence farming with coastal patches of forest land production.for subsistence farming with coastal patches of forest land production.

Cape Verde

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MauritaniaMauritaniaIn 1960 Mauritania In 1960 Mauritania

gained independence gained independence from France. There is from France. There is only one major road in only one major road in this country. Most of this country. Most of the land is desert, and the land is desert, and water is scarce. Tine water is scarce. Tine textiles and silver textiles and silver jewelry are made in jewelry are made in Mauritania. Camels Mauritania. Camels are often used for are often used for travel and for the travel and for the transport of goods transport of goods across the hot desert. across the hot desert. Some homes are Some homes are painted inside and painted inside and outside with colorful outside with colorful designs.designs.

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Capital: NouakchottCapital: Nouakchott

MaliMaliThe country now known as Mali The country now known as Mali

was a French colony from was a French colony from 1890 to 1960. From the 41890 to 1960. From the 4thth to the 13to the 13thth centuries, the centuries, the ancient empire of Ghana ancient empire of Ghana ruled Mali and exported gold ruled Mali and exported gold to Asia, Europe, and other to Asia, Europe, and other African countries. The great African countries. The great empire of Mali was founded empire of Mali was founded over 600 years ago by the over 600 years ago by the hero-king Sundiata Keita. hero-king Sundiata Keita. Timbuktu Timbuktu was once the was once the center for trade and Islamic center for trade and Islamic learning. Timbuktu is still learning. Timbuktu is still used for trade by camel used for trade by camel caravans crossing the Sahara caravans crossing the Sahara desert.desert.

The unique mosque of Djenne The unique mosque of Djenne is built of wood and clay. is built of wood and clay. Mali is known for its puppet Mali is known for its puppet theaters and fine arts.theaters and fine arts.

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Capital: Capital: BamakoBamako

NigerNigerFrom 1906 to 1960 France From 1906 to 1960 France

governed Niger as a colony. governed Niger as a colony. The great Mali empire, which The great Mali empire, which ruled abut 800 years ago, ruled abut 800 years ago, included areas of present-day included areas of present-day Niger. Tuareg nomads now Niger. Tuareg nomads now live in the deserts of Niger live in the deserts of Niger Many tees are planted each Many tees are planted each year to hold back the desert year to hold back the desert sands which spread out farther sands which spread out farther each year. People must often each year. People must often travel for miles to find water travel for miles to find water here. Even with the invention here. Even with the invention of trucks and airplanes, camels of trucks and airplanes, camels re still commonly used for re still commonly used for travel and the transport of travel and the transport of trade goods. Horses are highly trade goods. Horses are highly prized symbols of wealth.prized symbols of wealth. Back

Capital: Capital: NiameyNiamey

NigeriaNigeriaForm 1851 to 1960 Form 1851 to 1960

Nigeria was a colony Nigeria was a colony of the British. of the British. Nigeria is well known Nigeria is well known for its arts such as for its arts such as sculpture. Many sculpture. Many great authors, such great authors, such as Nobel laureate as Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, come Wole Soyinka, come from Nigeria. Many from Nigeria. Many of the Africans who of the Africans who were brought to were brought to America during the America during the slave trade were slave trade were from Nigeria from Nigeria Back

Capital: AbujaCapital: Abuja

BeninBeninFrom 1892 to 1960 the From 1892 to 1960 the

French ruled Benin as a French ruled Benin as a colony. Benin was called colony. Benin was called “Dahomey” until 1975. “Dahomey” until 1975. The Fon people, who are The Fon people, who are known for their appliquéd known for their appliquéd cloths, established the cloths, established the famous Dahomey famous Dahomey kingdom. Benin has kingdom. Benin has always been a trade always been a trade corridor between the corridor between the savanna regions of savanna regions of Western Africa and the Western Africa and the coast. Benin is known for coast. Benin is known for fine sculptures of ivory fine sculptures of ivory and bronze. The leopard and bronze. The leopard is the symbol of royalty in is the symbol of royalty in Benin.Benin. Back

Capital: Porto-NovoCapital: Porto-Novo

Burkina FasoBurkina FasoFrom 1896 to 1960 Burkina From 1896 to 1960 Burkina

Faso was a French Faso was a French colony. Until 1966, the colony. Until 1966, the name of Burkina Faso name of Burkina Faso was the Republic of was the Republic of Upper Volta. The great Upper Volta. The great Mossi kingdom was Mossi kingdom was formed in 1313 and is formed in 1313 and is know for fine arts. know for fine arts. Traditional homes are Traditional homes are often painted by women often painted by women with bright colors and with bright colors and geometrical patterns. geometrical patterns. This country is known for This country is known for its modern film industry. its modern film industry. Recent droughts have Recent droughts have caused hardship on the caused hardship on the herder and others.herder and others.Back

Capital: Capital: OuagadougouOuagadougou

Côte d’IvoireCôte d’Ivoire

A French colony from183 to 1960, Côte d’Ivoire is well A French colony from183 to 1960, Côte d’Ivoire is well known for the beauty and grace of its art. The Dan, known for the beauty and grace of its art. The Dan, Senoufo and Baoule peoples carve masks and figures Senoufo and Baoule peoples carve masks and figures of humans and animals from wood. The Dan masks of humans and animals from wood. The Dan masks are used in ritual dance celebrations. Other great arts are used in ritual dance celebrations. Other great arts of Côte d’Ivoire include music and textile weavings of of Côte d’Ivoire include music and textile weavings of bright colors.bright colors.

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Capital: AbidjanCapital: Abidjan

GambiaGambia

From 1807 to 1965 Gambia was a colony of Great From 1807 to 1965 Gambia was a colony of Great Britain. Gambia is a narrow country that lies along Britain. Gambia is a narrow country that lies along the great Gambia River. The country juts into the the great Gambia River. The country juts into the country of Senegal. The American author Alex country of Senegal. The American author Alex Haley wrote the book Haley wrote the book RootsRoots about his search for about his search for his African relatives in Gambia. Many tourists visit his African relatives in Gambia. Many tourists visit this country after reading Haley’s book.this country after reading Haley’s book. Back

Capital: Capital: BanjulBanjul

GhanaGhanaGhana was a colony of Great Ghana was a colony of Great

Britain from 1901 to 1957. Britain from 1901 to 1957. Ghana is the home of the Ghana is the home of the Asante people, who are well Asante people, who are well known for their gold jewelry known for their gold jewelry and colorful woven textiles, and colorful woven textiles, such as the kente cloth. There such as the kente cloth. There was so much gold mined in was so much gold mined in this country that the currency this country that the currency of the Asante was once gold of the Asante was once gold dust. This dust was weighed dust. This dust was weighed on nets in the rivers and on nets in the rivers and coastal waters of Ghana. coastal waters of Ghana. Music and song are very Music and song are very popular in Ghana.popular in Ghana.

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Capital: AccraCapital: Accra

GuineaGuineaGuinea was under Guinea was under

French control during French control during 1840 and became and 1840 and became and became a French became a French colony in 1891. It colony in 1891. It gained independence gained independence from French influence from French influence in 1958. Guinea has in 1958. Guinea has had a history of civil had a history of civil and political unrest and political unrest until recent years.until recent years.

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Capital: Capital: ConakryConakry

Guinea-BissauGuinea-BissauFrom 191 to 1974 Guinea-From 191 to 1974 Guinea-

Bissau was controlled by Bissau was controlled by Portugal. There are 40 Portugal. There are 40 small islands called the small islands called the Bijagos Archipelago near Bijagos Archipelago near the coast of Guinea-Bissau. the coast of Guinea-Bissau. The government of The government of Guinea-Bissau wants to Guinea-Bissau wants to develop these islands for develop these islands for tourism as a way to earn tourism as a way to earn money for the country’s money for the country’s economy. The country economy. The country needs to import food to needs to import food to help feed the growing help feed the growing population. Fishing is population. Fishing is often done with nets and often done with nets and canoes by men and boys.canoes by men and boys.

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Capital: Capital: BissauBissau

Cape VerdeCape VerdeCape Verde gained Cape Verde gained

independence from the independence from the Portuguese in 1975. Portuguese in 1975. Bananas are the only Bananas are the only export crop. Cape Verde export crop. Cape Verde has a rich tradition of has a rich tradition of music, dance, poetry, and music, dance, poetry, and storytelling. Riddles and storytelling. Riddles and proverbs are popular with proverbs are popular with children and adults. The children and adults. The government is now government is now promoting the offshore promoting the offshore islands of Cape Verde for islands of Cape Verde for tourism and as special tourism and as special banking centers.banking centers.

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Capital: Capital: PraiaPraia

LiberiaLiberiaIn 1822 African American In 1822 African American

settlers formed a settlers formed a government in Liberia. Its government in Liberia. Its capital, Monrovia, was capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. president named after U.S. president James Monroe. Liberia was James Monroe. Liberia was never colonized by a never colonized by a European nation. Many European nation. Many Liberians want to have a Liberians want to have a government based on government based on democracy. Most of the democracy. Most of the cities are found along the cities are found along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Atlantic Ocean coast. Fishing boats and trade ships Fishing boats and trade ships are a common sight here.are a common sight here.

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Capital: Capital: MonroviaMonrovia

SenegalSenegalIn 1960 Senegal gained In 1960 Senegal gained

independence from independence from France. During the France. During the colonial period, the colonial period, the small island of Goree small island of Goree near Dakar was the near Dakar was the center for the center for the Atlantic slave trade Atlantic slave trade by the Dutch, by the Dutch, French, and English. French, and English. Over 90% of the Over 90% of the Senegalese are now Senegalese are now Muslim. Large Muslim. Large mosques are found mosques are found in every city. The in every city. The Senegal River is one Senegal River is one of the great rivers of of the great rivers of Africa and is Africa and is important for fishing important for fishing and trade.and trade.

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Capital: DakarCapital: Dakar

Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneIn 1961 Sierra Leone In 1961 Sierra Leone

gained independence gained independence from Britain. Sierra from Britain. Sierra Leone is known for Leone is known for bright textiles. Trade bright textiles. Trade ships are a common ships are a common sight upon the coastal sight upon the coastal waters. Sierra Leone waters. Sierra Leone has mountains and lush has mountains and lush forests. The name forests. The name Sierra Leone means Sierra Leone means “sleeping lion” because “sleeping lion” because the mountain range the mountain range looks like a lion taking a looks like a lion taking a nap. The seaports of nap. The seaports of Sierra Leone are part of Sierra Leone are part of the international trading the international trading routes of Africa. Trade routes of Africa. Trade partners include Japan, partners include Japan, China, America, Nigeria.China, America, Nigeria.

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Capital: Capital: FreetownFreetown

TogoTogoTogo gained independence Togo gained independence

from France in 1960. from France in 1960. The terrain has hills, The terrain has hills, rolling savanna, and a rolling savanna, and a low coastal plain with low coastal plain with lagoons and swampy lagoons and swampy marshes. Most of the marshes. Most of the population are farmers. population are farmers. This country is able to This country is able to grow all the food that grow all the food that they need. Togo is a they need. Togo is a commercial and trade commercial and trade center for western Africa. center for western Africa. Boats have traded at the Boats have traded at the Atlantic coastline ports of Atlantic coastline ports of Togo for many Togo for many generations.generations.

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Capital: LomeCapital: Lome

ChadChadIn 1960 Chad gained In 1960 Chad gained

independence from independence from France. Chad is divided France. Chad is divided into three climatic zones – into three climatic zones – the southern savanna, the the southern savanna, the middle Sahel area, and the middle Sahel area, and the northern Sahara desert. northern Sahara desert. Lake Chad provides water Lake Chad provides water for farming and livestock for farming and livestock production. The peoples production. The peoples of each region follow of each region follow different lifestyles and different lifestyles and customs. The resent customs. The resent government is trying to government is trying to unify the country to unify the country to improve land improve land management, agriculture, management, agriculture, and other industry options.and other industry options.

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Capital: Capital: N’DjamenaN’Djamena

Central AfricaCentral Africa

Central Africa is covered with dense tropical Central Africa is covered with dense tropical rain forests. The average rainfall in this rain forests. The average rainfall in this region ranges from 10-80 inches and the region ranges from 10-80 inches and the regional climate varies from semi-arid to regional climate varies from semi-arid to topical wet. Land in central Africa is topical wet. Land in central Africa is primarily used for subsistence farming, primarily used for subsistence farming, grazing, and some forest land production. grazing, and some forest land production. Some chief agricultural products are millet, Some chief agricultural products are millet, cotton, coffee, cacao, and cassava.cotton, coffee, cacao, and cassava.

Democratic Republic of

Congo

Central

Democratic

Republic

Congo

Gabon

Soã Tomé

& PrÍncipe

Equatorial Guinea

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Eastern AfricaEastern AfricaMount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kilimanjaro and

Mount Kenya, Mount Kenya, volcanic mountains, volcanic mountains, rise above the rise above the grasslands of eastern grasslands of eastern Africa. The Great Africa. The Great Rift Valley is located Rift Valley is located in this region. Lake in this region. Lake Victoria, one of Victoria, one of several large, deep, several large, deep, beautiful lakes of the beautiful lakes of the Great Rift Valley,is Great Rift Valley,is the source of the the source of the great Nile River. great Nile River. Grasslands stretch Grasslands stretch down the eastern down the eastern coast to southern coast to southern Africa.Africa.

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Sudan

Ethiopia

KenyaSom

alia

Tanzania

Uganda

Madagascar

Djibouti

Eritrea

Seychelles

Comoros

Mauritius

South Africa

Angola

Namibia

Botswana

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Moz

ambi

que

Southern AfricaSouthern AfricaMountains, plateaus, and Mountains, plateaus, and

rolling hills are rolling hills are characteristic of characteristic of southern Africa. Much southern Africa. Much of the land is used for of the land is used for subsistence farming subsistence farming and grazing. Part of and grazing. Part of the High Africa land the High Africa land region, southern Africa region, southern Africa also has deserts, also has deserts, swamps, and forests. swamps, and forests. The average rainfall in The average rainfall in this region ranges 2-60 this region ranges 2-60 inches. The climate inches. The climate varies from tropical wet varies from tropical wet and dry in the upper and dry in the upper part of the region to part of the region to desert conditions in the desert conditions in the lower coastal areas. lower coastal areas. The Kalahari Desert lies The Kalahari Desert lies in southern Africa. in southern Africa. Back

Malawi

Swaziland

Lesotho